Cleese starring in funeral firm’s TV ad

Legendary Monty Python actor John Cleese is taking the starring role in Wilmslow, Cheshire-based Avalon Funeral Plans’ first TV commercials which will hit the small screen soon for an initial six-week burst.

The 40 second adverts will feature on all major TV channels, including ITV and Sky, to highlight the importance of people making a plan for their funeral.

Created by integrated marketing agency Oakbase, the TV commercials are part of a £300,000 campaign, to drive awareness of the issue and to highlight that Avalon customers can buy funerals at today’s prices for a one-off cost or through instalments, meaning they could save their families thousands of pounds.

In the adverts, the 77-year-old Fawlty Towers star is seen hanging up his scythe and making a cup of tea, whilst speaking direct to camera asking the audience when they are planning to die and what they have done about it.

It is the second time the comedian and actor has been cast as death as he starred in the role for the award-winning 1983 movie The Meaning of Life where he escorts victims to a Las Vegas style heaven and Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, from the Python’s Life of Brian film regularly appears in the top 10 of funeral songs.

Covering the UK and Europe, Avalon is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing providers of pre-paid funeral plans, with more than 25 years’ in the sector.

Head of marketing Chris Millington said: “We wanted a campaign that had a high impact and didn’t follow the industry norm and Oakbase have more than delivered that.

“It’s a tough topic to talk about and the humour works to get people to consider their mortality without being sentimental or too emotional. John Cleese was our first choice as he is someone who our audience will relate too and will listen to.”

Oakbase, also based in Wilmslow, has made a name for itself with creative campaigns that incorporate northern ‘nous’ to increase their clients’ bottom-line. Headed by industry stalwart, chief executive Nick Bradshaw, the full-service agency works for a number of high-profile consumer brands including Meyer, TJ Hughes, Lakeland, Shell and Michelin.

“The campaign promises to disrupt the marketplace which tends to shy away from actually talking about death whereas we’re tackling it head on,” said Bradshaw. “The creative works throughout all the marketing from press to all aspects of online, PR and social media.”